Aaron Mooy of the Wanderers holds off Vince Lia of the Phoenix. Photo: Getty Images

Wellington's defence sorely missed the gritty Manny Muscat, who was serving the second in a three-match ban.

The Wanderers' second goal came as a disorganised defence scrambled back and Ben Sigmund lost his footing in a collision with keeper Mark Paston as Mark Bridge lofted the ball in for a clinical Haliti finish.

Once again, the Phoenix started well in bringing the ball forward but still lacked accuracy in the final third with the blustery conditions not helping.

Belgian import Stein Huysegems showed some good form after a quiet patch since scoring three goals in the opening four matches of the season.

Michael Beauchamp's return from a one-match suspension added some extra steel in the Wanderers' defence, with the hard-working skipper breaking down several promising Phoenix forays in the second half.

Wanderers playmaker Aaron Mooy was always dangerous in the midfield and it was his probing ball into the box that Topor-Stanley nodded home to set up the win.